In 1990, it was one of the poorest countries in the world; today, it is decidedly middle-class and on an upward trajectory.

Upscale malls and trendy residential areas are sprouting up everywhere and there are now several internationally accredited hospitals.

"Vietnam has a good deal to offer these days with Global demand changing and communications increasing every day," says Marc Visconti, President of Visconti Industries Inc, “traveling abroad (for work or retirement) to countries once on the outskirts now have become the norm”.

According to Wendy Justice, a Modern, furnished, two-bedroom apartments can be found in lovely beach towns starting at around $350 to $400 per month, and for around $500 per month in major cities. Apartments often include cable TV, high-speed Internet, water, trash, and housekeeping in the rent. Good housekeepers are happy to earn just $2 or $3 per hour.

"Even in the most expensive cities--Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi--two people can live well for less than $1,500 per month," Justice reports, "If you're hoping to find an even lower cost of living than that, my advice is to head for the beaches. Three low-cost beach towns that won't break the bank are Nha Trang, Hoi An and Da Nang."